Correction versus bedding: Wheelchair pressure distribution measurements in children with cerebral palsy

Purpose: Most children with cerebral palsy classification Levels IV and V in the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) are unable to walk and, therefore, spend almost all day in a sitting position in their wheelchairs. As a result of the spastic muscle contraction, malpositions of joints or a scoliosis develop, which require a decision to be made on whether to correct the posture or simply find the best soft bedding position. Methods: The distribution of pressure on the seat while sitting in a wheelchair was measured with a pressure distribution measuring mat. The different distribution patterns were analyzed. Results: Pressure distribution measurement allows to find a compromise between posture correction and soft bedding. Additionally, pressure-reducing seats were examined on their effectiveness. We also focused our measurements and data analyses on recognizing the causes for pain. Sometimes, the origin of the problems and pain of children in wheelchairs is not clear. Conclusions: Using the above-mentioned measuring equipment, the causes of these problems can be detected much more easily than just by clinical examination. The pressure measuring mat can help to optimize the seating position for the spastically handicapped children and adapt technical aids. Examples demonstrate the most frequently occurring problems of these children in their wheelchairs which are typical for neuro-orthopedic diseases.